Cell Salvage in Liposuction, a Safety Tool in a New Surgical Scenario.

[BACKGROUND] The improvement in liposuction and associated procedures seen in recent years has led to an increase in complications, particularly related to significant blood loss. This study aims to evaluate the intraoperative use of cell salvage to recover red blood cells from liposuction aspirate and reinfuse them into the patient.

[METHODS] A prospective, randomized, blinded and controlled trial was conducted with 63 patients.

[RESULTS] Postoperative hematocrit (HT) was significantly higher in the intervention group (34.8 ± 3.3) compared to the control group (31.1 ± 2.7, p < 0.001). Similarly, hemoglobin (Hb) levels were greater 24 hours after surgery (11.7 ± 1.1 vs 10.4 ± 0.8, p < 0.001). On average, 198.5 mL (198.50 ± 136.60) of red blood cells were recovered and reinfused.

[CONCLUSION] Patient blood management is a key strategy to enhance surgical outcomes globally. The use of cell salvage during liposuction helps preserve hemoglobin levels close to normal ranges and prevent acute anemia, contributing to faster and safer recovery. Cell salvage should be considered a standard tool and routinely used in extensive liposuction procedures.

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